Mouth of the Midwest

12/19/2024 by Nick Douglas

The 2024 college football season has ushered in a transformative era with the debut of the 12-team College Football Playoff beginning tomorrow. This expansion has not only intensified the competition but also sparked discussions about team selections, seeding criteria, and the overarching impact on the sport. Let’s dive into it.

The Expanded Playoff Format

The new CFP structure includes 12 teams, with the top four conference champions receiving first-round byes. This design emphasizes the significance of conference championships, reserving seven at-large spots for remaining teams and the final spot for the lowest ranked A4 conference champion or the highest ranked GO5 Conference champion. This final seed belongs to Clemson, who will travel to Austin Saturday to take on the Texas Longhorns. The four teams taking the fasttrack to a NY6 Semifinal game are Oregon, Georgia, Boise State, and Arizona State. Every first-round matchup is hosted on a campus site, which introduces elements like home-field advantage and varying weather conditions into the playoff equation. 

Impact of Weather on Gameplay This Weekend

With on-campus games in December, weather is brought into sharper focus. Teams like Tennessee and SMU, unaccustomed to colder climates, may face challenges when playing at Ohio State or at Penn State, both of which have recently been blanketed in snow. These conditions can influence game dynamics, potentially affecting team performance and strategy. 

Seeding Controversies and Selection Criteria

The seeding decisions have been quite controversial, particularly regarding the criteria employed by the selection committee. Many disgruntled fans and coaches argue that the current system may inadvertently devalue a team’s strength of schedule, as evidenced by the allocation of first-round byes to teams ranked 1, 2, 9, and 12. This arrangement has led to questions about the rationale behind seedings and the discouraging signal it sends toward teams scheduling challenging non-conference games. 

Spotlight on Kurtis Rourke and Emerging Talent

On the flip side, the expanded playoff has provided a platform for standout players from programs that might have typically been overlooked. Indiana’s quarterback, Kurtis Rourke, exemplifies this opportunity. Rourke has delivered stellar performances throughout the season, culminating in a ninth-place finish in the Heisman Trophy voting. Indiana’s postseason opportunity underscore the benefits of an expanded playoff, highlighting talent across a broader spectrum of teams. 

Resurgence of Traditional Powerhouses

Notre Dame’s inclusion in the playoff reflects a remarkable turnaround. Overcoming an early-season loss to Northern Illinois, the Fighting Irish secured significant victories against Texas A&M and two undefeated service academies. Again, in previous years this team might have just barely missed the cut. But alas, the fighting Irish will host Kurtis Rourke and the Indiana hoosiers with the winner facing the Georgia bulldogs in the Sugar Bowl on New Years Day in New Orleans. 

At-Large Bids and Late-Season Dynamics

The at-large bids awarded to teams like Tennessee and Ohio State highlight the unpredictable nature of college football. Tennessee was saved by late-season losses from Ole Miss and Alabama, who stumbled against unranked opponents in the second to last week. Ohio State dropped one at Oregon earlier this season and put up 10 points at home against Michigan, but still made the cut with defining wins over Penn State and Indiana. It will be fascinating to see how these two teams fare down the stretch.

With Zayd Hussein 

Ohio State vs Tennessee: Game Preview

Get ready for an epic clash in the College Football Playoff first round as No. 8 Ohio State hosts No. 9 Tennessee in a battle set for Ohio Stadium on December 21, 2024. The Buckeyes, with a 10-2 record, are known for their ironclad defense, leading the nation in points and yards allowed. Offensively, quarterback Will Howard has been a steady hand, but the team’s offensive line, decimated by injuries, faces a stern test against Tennessee’s aggressive front. The Volunteers, also 10-2, are led by running back Dylan Sampson, who’s been a force on the ground, complemented by Nico Iamaleava’s arm at quarterback. Tennessee’s defense, particularly their defensive line with James Pearce Jr., could disrupt Ohio State’s game plan, setting up a fascinating tactical battle.

The matchup in Columbus is more than just a playoff game; it’s a narrative of redemption, resilience, and raw talent. Ohio State’s home advantage and their elite receiving corps might tilt the scales, but Tennessee’s physicality and determination to upset in such a high-stakes environment could make this contest razor-close. With the weather potentially cold, adding another layer of challenge, expect a game where defense might shine, and each play could be the difference between moving forward or watching from home. Betting odds currently favor Ohio State by 7.5 points with an over/under of 47.5, promising a tight, low-scoring affair where strategy and execution will decide the victor.

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Aptly enough ….

Caitlin Clark Time Magazine Female Athlete of the Year. Olympic buffs are miffed, but get over it !

Man I love this Drake Men’s Basketball team. After the hangover from Iowa Women’s Hoops, what a great pick-us-up!

Caitlin Clark’s #22 Jersey retired. I’d put a gold statue up in the walkway to Carver- Hawkeye …

Ah, Drake may not lose until February.
Just sayin’….

If you haven’t checked out Niko & Tyler on their soccer show Friday nights at 6p Eastern you are missing a lot.

Bill Raftery – at 83- still sharp calling college hoops. Love the man!

Gary Danielson never gets boring talking college football.

Open -portal December is just God-awfully WRONG!

Bill Belichick to North Carolina still strikes me as odd; how about you?

First off, this IS NOT his last coaching stop. And his last one will be in the NFL!

This is a lark. What’s he got to

lose? He has the standard “ NFL out clauses in his 5 year Tar Heel deal.

Tom Brady has a better chance of fulfilling his 10-year FOX TV deal.

Just want to bookmark one thought – and very much at the risk of sounding crazy. Belichick is a New England guy, resides there and loves it there. He and Patriots owner Robert Kraft grew tired of each other. Time heals most everything. The Pats will rise again and a BB return would not surprise me in the least.

Our own Nick Douglas throwing objectivity out the window with Clemson Head Coach Dabo Swinney.

All kidding aside, Nick draws the long straw and will cover Clemson at Texas in the 1st of the College Football Playoff.

Here’s the picks:

Texas 27 Clemson 24

SMU 31 Penn State 28

Notre Dame 34 Indiana 30

Tennessee 24 Ohio State 20

I’m join inside AT & T Stadium in Dallas with 4 

Arizona Sun Devil backers … 

I predicted a “Texas Shootout” and it was over quickly with a few blasts from the amazing Cam Skattebo…

Get ready for a “Texas Shootout”…

Iowa State & Arizona State Saturday at 11:00a in Dallas. 

This year’s Big 12 Conference Title game sets up with a potential scoreboard lighting up affair. 

The ASU Sun Devils are on a big time roll. RB Cam Skattebo is a BEAST!

Iowa State is getting ZERO respect. Wake me up when they are picked to win Saturday. More fuel for the Sons of Campbell.

Iowa 33 Arizona State 30

Mike Giffith on the show tonight.

AJC.com – top notch college scribe and radio contributor.

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This edition of Mouth Daily comes from Nick Douglas.

CFB Rankings
The unveiling of the fifth College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings of 2024 comes with heightened anticipation later today. In what has been one of the wildest college football seasons in recent memory, this past weekend was the icing on the cake. With upsets and fights happening all day Saturday, seven ranked teams fell. The CFP speculation machine will be aggressively churning until selection Sunday on December 8th.

As the CFP committee convenes to decide the fate of teams on the cusp of greatness, let’s delve into a look into the teams in contention. These projections stem from a thorough analysis of head-to-head results, strength of schedule, victories over ranked opponents, and the ineffable “eye test” that often sways deliberations.

The Top Four: The Pinnacle of Contention

1. Oregon (12-0) The Ducks’ undefeated record is a beacon of consistency. They’ve had their rough games but are the only unbeaten team across the FBS. Their dominance on both sides of the ball ensures they retain the top spot as the nation’s premier team. Their grip on No. 1 is ironclad barring a loss in the Big 10 championship to Penn state. 
2. Texas (11-1) The Longhorns’ emphatic victory in the dormant rivalry with Texas A&M adds a signature win to previously questionable résumé. This triumph propels them into the SEC favorite, affirming their resurgence as a national powerhouse. They face Georgia Saturday at 4pm ET in Atlanta. 
3. Penn State (11-1) A steady climb in the rankings for the Nittany Lions is bolstered by Ohio State’s stumble against Michigan. Penn State’s ascension reflects the committee’s appreciation for their overall body of work. Whether they are poised for a deep run is another question. 
4. Notre Dame (11-1) The Fighting Irish escaped USC with a 49-35 win, cementing their playoff aspirations amidst chaos. They look primed to host a first-round game in late December. 

The safe zone

5. Tennessee (10-2) A victory over Vanderbilt locks the Volunteers into playoff contention. Their strong finish positions them well for a first-round home game, capping a stellar season.
6. SMU (11-1) The Mustangs’ triumph over Cal secures their place in the ACC Championship. A strong performance year-round from Rhett Lashlee’s group in their first season competing in the ACC makes for a stellar Cinderella story. Whether this one continues into January is up for debate. Coming off a 38-6 thumping of Cal, the ‘stangs look poised to make a run deep into the playoff.
7. Georgia (10-2) An 8-Overtime victory over Georgia tech late Saturday effectively secured the Dawgs a spot in the playoff. Marred by inconsistency from Carson Beck, Kirby Smart’s squad has stumbled to 10-2 with signature wins over Tennessee and Texas. 
8. Indiana (11-1) Where did this team come from? Outside of a bad loss in Columbus, Curt Cignetti’s first year in Indiana has been a resounding success, as they have seemingly cruised to 11 wins. Beating an 11-LOSS Purdue team doesn’t elevate their résumé much, but the Hoosiers have earned the right to host a round 1 game.
9. Ohio State (10-2) The jury is still out on whether Ryan Day sits on the hot seat after dropping his fourth straight rivalry game to an unranked Michigan this past weekend. Despite a 10-point performance at home, the Buckeyes remain playoff-bound. High-quality wins over Penn State and Indiana pads their resumé, though they will likely be on the road in round 1. 
10. Boise State (11-1) Boise State ought to crack the top 10 this week, as they have handled the Mountain west with ease and even gave Oregon a run for their money in week 2. Their consistency across the board, spearheaded by Heisman hopeful Ashton Jeanty, makes them a team to watch as the postseason approaches.

• Arizona State (10-2) and Iowa State (10-2) control their destiny in the Big 12 conference championship game.

On the bubble: SEC Chaos and Redemption

Ole Miss (9-3), Alabama (9-3), and South Carolina (9-3) all sit on the outside looking in…for now. Ole miss has been a roller coaster ride all year, and the committee will have to seriously deliberate on whether it comes to an end now. The Crimson Tide’s bad loss in Norman two weeks back left the door wide open, while the Gamecocks’ dramatic victory over Clemson reshapes the narrative. Although they lost head-to-head matchups against Alabama and Ole Miss, Beamer’s squad looks like one of the hottest teams in the country right now. Will the committee look more into Head-to-head matchups or overall momentum and excitement? 

Outside looking in

• Miami (10-2) fell precipitously after a loss to Syracuse, underscoring the fragility of playoff hopes without victories over ranked opponents.
• UNLV (10-2) entered the rankings with a crucial Mountain West title game looming against red hot Boise State, adding another layer of intrigue to the playoff puzzle.

As we head into conference championship week, it’s important to note that these games will not be held against teams that lose. Your 3-loss SEC contingent will likely get vocal about their strength of schedule, while Miami fans will cross their fingers and hope for some love toward their high-octane quarterback Cam Ward. Irrespective of what happens, these fanbases will feel every kind of emotion come December 8th. There will be shocks, surprises, and perhaps even…mistakes. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Detroit is America’s team — at least for a day— Thanksgiving every year. No matter how good, bad or irrelevant as the powder blue & silver might be, we all tune in. Even Mom has the Lions playing in the background while she prepares the annual feast, right?

Now the Lions have supplanted the REAL America’s team the Dallas Cowboys who also are annual participants on Thanksgiving Day.

The only reason to watch the Cowboys and the NY Giants tomorrow is what ?

Because it’s FOOTBALL!

So, here are the picks for entertainment purposes ….

Caleb Williams has his coming out game. America will see exactly why the  Bears jettisoned Justin Fields and drafted Williams #1.

Williams throws for 355 yards, 3 Touchdowns and the Bears rock the Mighty Lions 34-24.

Wait, I just woke up to reality.

Detroit 41 Chicago 17

Dallas 31  New York Giants 13

Miami 23 Green Bay 20

Salt Lake City, Utah- Iowa State QB Rocco Becht came of age last night.

His spearheading the game-winning drive paid obvious immediate dividends; and Cyclone Nation can only hope the next similar opportunity comes on an even bigger stage. Like the Big 12 Championship game on December 7th?

ISU’s 31-28 over a beaten up Utah club had many twists and turns. When the Utes took the lead with a late touchdown it felt like Texas Tech all over again. The look on Becht’s face said otherwise. His steely eyes did not flicker once. 

Becht, Carson Hansen, Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins conspired with incredible determination shrouded with calm and focus; you could feel it!

Now the stars are aligning almost beyond belief. Arizona State, 16th and dead last in preseason publications, is booking their trip to Dallas; they will crush overmatched Arizona. 

Meantime, Iowa State will not entertain such thinking. Kansas State invades Saturday night with temperatures in the teens and a feel-like below zero. A recipe for massive heartbreak? Nope.

This group is salty, tough and talented.

Cyclone Nation rejoices!